How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Louisiana (2024 Guide)

Louisiana's cottage food law is one of the most business-friendly in the country. No sales cap. No permits required. Online sales allowed statewide. If you've been dreaming of turning your famous pralines or hot sauce into a business, Louisiana makes it surprisingly straightforward.

But "straightforward" doesn't mean "simple." There are still important rules about what you can sell, how to label products, and where you can operate. Get these wrong, and you could face fines or be forced to shut down.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for Louisiana residents who want to start selling homemade food products legally from their home kitchen. Whether you're testing a side hustle or building toward a full food business, you'll learn exactly what Louisiana law allows and requires.

You'll discover:

• What foods you can and cannot sell under cottage food law
• Louisiana's labeling requirements (they're specific)
• How online sales work within state boundaries
• Step-by-step registration process
• Common mistakes that could get you in trouble

What You Can Sell Under Louisiana Cottage Food Law

Louisiana allows most non-potentially hazardous foods — items that don't require refrigeration and have low risk of bacterial growth.

Allowed foods include:

• Baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pastries)
• Candies and confections (pralines, fudge, caramel)
• Jams, jellies, and preserves (properly acidified)
• Granola, trail mix, and nuts
• Dry mixes (cake mix, seasoning blends)
• Honey (if you're the beekeeper)
• Pickled vegetables (following tested recipes)
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Coffee and tea blends

Foods you cannot sell:

• Fresh or frozen meat, poultry, or seafood
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, ice cream)
• Cream-filled pastries or custards
• Fresh salsa or sauces with fresh ingredients
• Canned low-acid vegetables
• Jerky or dried meat products
• Pet food or treats
• Alcoholic beverages

The key test: if it needs refrigeration or has a high moisture content with low acidity, it's likely prohibited.

Sales and Distribution Rules

Louisiana's cottage food law offers remarkable freedom compared to most states:

No sales cap: Unlike many states that limit annual revenue to $15,000-$50,000, Louisiana places no dollar limit on cottage food sales.

Online sales allowed: You can sell through your own website, social media, or online marketplaces — as long as customers are in Louisiana.

Intrastate sales only: All sales must stay within Louisiana boundaries. You cannot ship to other states or sell at out-of-state farmers markets.

Direct-to-consumer only: Wholesale to restaurants, grocery stores, or other retailers is prohibited. Every sale must be directly to the person who will consume the product.

Allowed sales venues:

• Your home (by appointment or pickup)
• Farmers markets
• Craft fairs and festivals
• Online to Louisiana customers
• Community events
• Direct delivery within Louisiana

No Permits Required (But Registration May Apply)

Louisiana does not require cottage food permits, licenses, or kitchen inspections for most operators. This sets it apart from states that require extensive paperwork and fees.

However, you may still need:

• Business license from your city or parish (varies by location)
• Sales tax permit from Louisiana Department of Revenue
• Food handler's certification (recommended, sometimes required by venues)

Check with your local government about business licensing requirements, as these vary significantly between parishes and municipalities.

Labeling Requirements

Louisiana has specific labeling rules that you must follow exactly. Each product must include:

Required label information:

• Product name
• Ingredient list (in descending order by weight)
• Net weight or quantity
• Your name and home address
• The statement: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Louisiana Department of Health"
• Allergen warnings for major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans)

Label format requirements:

• Information must be clearly readable
• Use a font size that's legible (at least 1/16 inch for small packages)
• Place required information on the main display panel or information panel
• Allergen warnings can be part of the ingredient list or separate

Example label:

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Grandma's Pecan Pralines